2 Baked Haddock Recipes You Need to Try Today

Fish again? I get it.

You want something different, but you’re stuck making the same old recipes.

It’s frustrating when dinner feels repetitive, and nobody seems excited about what’s on their plate.

The two recipes in this blog prove that cooking fish can be simple. You’ll get crispy toppings and moist, flaky fish.

Your weeknight dinners just got better. Keep reading, and I’ll show you how.

Defrosting Frozen Fish

Frozen haddock works just as well as fresh in this recipe. But you need to defrost it properly first.

Doing it wrong can affect the texture and make your fish watery.

• Move the fish from the freezer to the fridge the night before
• Place it in a bowl or on a plate to catch drips
• Let it thaw for 8 to 12 hours
• This keeps bacteria from growing and maintains texture

What to Avoid

• Never thaw fish on the counter at room temperature
• Don’t use hot water, as it cooks the edges
• Avoid the microwave if possible, since it makes fish rubbery

Once thawed, pat the fillets completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture prevents proper browning and affects how the seasonings stick.

Zesty Baked Haddock Recipe

You are now ready for the main part of the blog!

Baking haddock is one of the easiest ways to cook fish, and this method guarantees a tender, flavorful meal.

Prep & Cook Details

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 15–20 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4 haddock fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Step 1: Gather Your Simple Ingredients

First, make sure you have your haddock fillets ready, along with a bit of butter, lemon juice, and simple seasonings like salt and pepper.

Using fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor, so grab some if you can.

A baking dish and some aluminum foil are all the tools you’ll need.

Step 2: Prep the Fillets

Start by preheating your oven to the proper temperature. Lightly grease your baking dish or line it with foil for easy cleanup later.

Pat the haddock pieces dry with paper towels; this quick step is key to a great texture.

Place the pieces neatly inside your prepared pan.

Step 3: Season and Finish

Next, melt a small amount of butter and drizzle it evenly over the top of each fillet.

Squeeze a little lemon juice over the fish for brightness. Sprinkle generously with your salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.

You can also add a pinch of garlic powder if you like a little extra kick.

Step 4: Time to Bake and Serve

Slide the pan into your hot oven and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes.

The exact time depends on how thick your fish pieces are. You’ll know it’s ready when the haddock looks opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Let it rest for a moment, then serve right away.

Get the Recipe

Note: After cooking fish at home for many years, I’ve found that keeping seasoning simple lets haddock keep its natural flavor. Butter and lemon are usually all it needs.

Baked Haddock with Breadcrumbs

A breadcrumb topping gives you that satisfying texture contrast. The fish stays tender while the top gets golden and crispy.

Prep & Cook Details

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15–18 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4 haddock fillets (about 6 oz each)
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (divided)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Step 1: Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture

Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a medium bowl. Add grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried parsley.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Panko works better than regular breadcrumbs because it creates a lighter, crunchier coating on top.

Step 2: Season Your Fish First

Pat the haddock fillets dry and place them in a greased baking dish.

Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This base seasoning ensures the fish itself has flavor, not just the topping.

The lemon also helps the breadcrumbs stick better.

Step 3: Press Breadcrumbs on Top

Spoon the breadcrumb mixture generously over each fillet. Press down gently with your fingers so it sticks to the fish.

Make sure you cover the entire surface for even browning. A thick layer gives you that restaurant-style crust everyone loves at fancy seafood places.

Step 4: Drizzle with Extra Butter

Melt a little extra butter and drizzle it over the breadcrumb topping. This helps everything turn golden brown in the oven.

Don’t skip this step, or your crust might end up dry. The butter also adds richness and helps all those flavors come together perfectly.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes. The breadcrumbs should turn golden brown, and the fish should flake easily.

If the top isn’t brown enough, switch to broil for one to two minutes. Watch it closely, though, because it can burn quickly under the broiler.

Step 6: Let Rest Before Serving

Remove from the oven and let the fish rest for three minutes. This allows the juices to settle back into the meat.

Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve hot with your favorite sides and watch everyone reach for seconds at the dinner table.

Get the Recipe

Quick Tip: Ritz crackers make a great substitute for breadcrumbs. Crush about 20 crackers in a sealed bag until they’re fine crumbs. They add a buttery, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with haddock.

Note: I’ve tested this version many times, and pressing the topping lightly makes a big difference. It helps the crumbs stay in place while baking.

Storage and Reheating

Storage

• Store cooked haddock in an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days

Reheating

• Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 8–10 minutes
• Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can toughen the fish

Nutrient Information of Haddock

Per serving, based on plain baked haddock, approx. 6 oz cooked

The breadcrumb version will be higher due to butter and cheese.

What Should the Internal Temperature of Haddock Be?

Knowing when the fish is perfectly cooked is easier than you might think.

For baked haddock, you’ll want to check the thickest part of the fillet with an instant-read thermometer. The fish is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C.

Hitting this temperature ensures the fish is safe to eat and guarantees a moist, flaky texture.

Checking the temperature is the best way to get it right every time, so don’t be afraid to use your thermometer.

Serving Ideas for Baked Haddock

Baked haddock is a versatile and mild fish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and garnishes.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it. Two simple baked haddock recipes that deliver on flavor and ease.

I’ve shared these with you because they work. No stress, no mess, just good food on your table.

Now it’s your turn to try them. Pick the recipe that sounds better to you. Get your ingredients ready. Then fire up that oven and see for yourself how good homemade baked haddock can be.

Got questions about these recipes? Drop a comment below. I’d love to hear which one you tried first.

Time to get cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the Best Technique for Baking Haddock in the Oven?

Bake haddock uncovered at 400°F with butter and lemon, keeping the fillets dry, until opaque and flaky for consistent, best results.

2. How Long Does Haddock Take to Cook in the Oven?

Haddock usually takes 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F, depending on thickness, until it flakes easily with a fork.

3. Should Haddock Be Covered when Baking?

Haddock should be baked uncovered so moisture can escape, allowing the fish to cook evenly and develop a better surface texture.